Sometimes things happen right in front of us, and we fail to notice. Take
TV cars for instance, we all know about Jim Rockford’s Firebirds, Sonny
Crockett’s GTB 365S, Rico Tubb’s 1963 Cadillac, and Todd and Buzz’s 1960
Corvette, later a 1963 when it was Todd and Linc. We remember the
Monkeesmobile, the Munster’s car, and JR’s 450SEL. Iconic, and the cars fit the
person, or was it the person that fit the car? If you are old enough you
remember Dan Mathews and his 1955 Buick Century, and the rest of Highway Patrol
driving big Mercury’s. Lois Lane drove a Nash Rambler. But do you recall Mr.
Kent’s Nash Healey with the cool sliding doors? Charlie’s Angel’s drove Pintos
and Mustang II’s, how cool were they, if you even noticed the cars? They too
were fashion statements. How about Frank Cannon’s Lincoln Marks? We all know
what Starsky drove, but what did Hutch drive? Max Smart in his Sunbeam Tiger,
Magnum’s Ferrari and General Lee of those Duke boys? Remember BA’s GMC van?
But how many remember cars that were not part of the show? Beaver’s dad, Ward
old man, drove a 1957 Ford the first year, then moved up to Plymouths. The
Sherriff of Mayberry and his deputy drove a succession of Fords, complete with
whip antenna and bubble gum machine on the roof. The Brady’s drove Plymouth
station wagons, until Mr. B got cool with a 1969 convertible. And Mr. B, as in
Baxter, drove Fords to work keeping Hazel busy at home. Perry Mason drove a
1957 Skyliner, the retractable Ford, then moved on to Cadillacs. Paul Drake
always had a T Bird, top down in LA. The Faceman had a Corvette with a Starsky
style stripe. Adam 12 drove AMC Matadors after the LAPD changed from
Plymouths. Even Aunt Bee drove a 1956 Ford Sunliner, top down. Miss Ellie and
her Rabbit Cabriolet, cool, but Lucy I her 924 Porsche-yuk. Jock Ewing always
drove a Mark, and could afford the gas.
Steve Douglas always drove whatever GM was sponsoring, mostly
Chevy wagons, but Mike had this cool hot rod. Lumpy had a ‘40 Ford convertible
with glass packs. Joe Mannix drove some cool Chrysler products while solving
crime. Amos Burke drove a Rolls, while the Partridge Family drove a bus. Major
Nelson drove a GTO, thanks Jeanie, and Toody and Muldoon drove Plymouth police
cars-OOH OOH! Lamont Sanford drove that cool old ‘52 Ford pickup, while station
51 seemed to be in a Dodge, set up as an emergency vehicle. So it goes without
saying that cars may not always be the stars, but help us remember. Identifying
a place in time, a person, and memories. So many shows I cannot remember the
actors, but I can the cars. Did you know Darrin Stevens always drove Chevies?
And in 1965, along with Bonanza, did a five minute commercial of all the
models? Adam drove a red 1965 Vette down the streets of Virginia City, followed
by his brothers, and life was never the same at the Ponderosa. More horsepower
please, you can keep the horses. And even Samantha, the first time I ever heard
that name, drove cool Camaros. Just twitch her nose, and instantly a sunny day
with the top down. But what about all the sedans in the background, cars that
went over cliffs, off piers, and into the bay, that got no recognition? Do we
only remember them as a walk on part, a needed stand in for the real stars, or
were they just there when needed?
At church many times we always hear about the big miracles,
about the stars getting healed, or a celebrity coming to the Lord. Makes better
press, if that is what you are after. But what about when you came to the
Lord? Was your wife excited? Did she even care? What did your parents think?
Did they have a big party for you? Did someone stand up in church and announce
the good news, just to embarrass you? Probably not, for most of us it was
personal, and private. We may not have gone forward at a Billy Graham Crusade,
or even at a church service. We just quietly accepted Jesus into our hearts,
and it was no big deal. Except to the angels in heaven, and to God. ALL the
angels rejoiced when you finally said yes to Jesus, and they continue on today
as others come to the Lord. And it is important to God, seeing His patience
rewarded, and your name written in His Book of Life. Written by His hand, not
typed like I am. No credit at the end of the show, “vehicles supplied by,” as
the credits speed past, but you are truly recognized and loved. And we all
can’t be the standout, and so many times I am glad I am not. Celebrity can get
between you and God, I have found it easier to sit in the back and learn than to
be up front and be part of the action. I have found that I can work better in
the background where God gets all the credit, and I get all the blessings. So
to all of you who think you labor in vain, you aren’t. God is watching, He even
tells us that if you get your recognition here, you may not get the blessing in
heaven. So often we look for man to reward us, when God has a much better
reward just waiting for us when we get home. Why buy a store bought cookie when
Beaver’s mom has them waiting hot from the oven? So many things we remember,
then forget, God doesn’t, He records all your good deeds in His book, but
forgets your bad ones, the sins. No blooper show in heaven, just the facts,
Mam, great facts. Many unknown to others, but not missed by God. Remember that
today as you go, kindness and goodness are fruit of the spirit. Give water to
those thirsty, feed hungry, clothe the poor. Welcome the stranger among you, it
just may be an angel God sent to bless you. That old 4 door sedan may just be
what God knows you need, as you pass the red convertible that just passed you at
120, signing autographs for the traffic cop.
Long after you read this, you will forget it. You will forget
me, that’s OK. It’s normal. But don’t forget Jesus, and His words, and what He
did on the cross. Somethings are worth keeping, and hanging onto, not trading
in every year for the new model. What you drive tells us a lot about you, who
you believe in tells us more. What are you telling people? What is your life
saying about the Jesus in you? We may not remember your words, but just like
your car we will remember your actions. Aren’t you glad God doesn’t? Quick,
what did Fred Flintstone drive? See? Did you know that Crockett’s GTB was
really a Corvette with a plastic body? God did!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com